Travel advice for Iraq

Australia advises avoiding all travel for Iraq.

Avoid all travel to Iraq because the currently tense regional situation creates an increased risk. The warning applies nationwide, and Austrians staying in the country are urged to exercise particular caution. Consular assistance for those in distress is extremely limited, and travel insurance may exclude cover.

Avoid all travel to Iraq, including Iraqi Kurdistan, because the internal security situation is extremely unstable and attacks and retaliations have been reported. Always avoid border and disputed areas, especially Nineveh, Salah al-Din, Kirkuk and Diyala. Repeated Erbil airport closures and sudden airspace closures could leave you stranded indefinitely. Belgians already in Iraq should remain alert, avoid military zones, strategic installations, demonstrations and long land journeys, and prepare for emergencies.

Avoid all travel to Iraq because the volatile security situation includes missile and drone attacks, terrorism, unexploded ordnance, violent crime and severe discrimination against 2SLGBTQI+ people. Leave Iraq at the earliest opportunity while commercial options are available, because consular assistance is extremely limited. Northern borders and border areas near Iran and Kuwait are especially dangerous.

Avoid all travel to Iraq due to politically and economically motivated crime, radical armed groups in deserts and military tension in the Middle East. Travel only if necessary to Iraqi Kurdistan, Baghdad, Basra, large cities and southern cultural and historical sites. In Iraqi Kurdistan, use a local guide in uninhabited mountain areas where landmines may be present, and avoid its borders except in transit. Arrange transfers through vetted local partners.

Germany advises avoiding all travel for Iraq.

Avoid all travel to Iraq because terrorism, war and unpredictable regional conditions may make return impossible. Drone or missile strikes could follow renewed conflict, and militants regularly attack government and civilian targets nationwide, including Kurdistan. Consular assistance is limited outside Kurdistan, where entry rules also differ. If airspace closes, the safest exit is via the Ibrahim Khalil crossing into Turkey, with onward travel from Sirnak or Diyarbakir.

Avoid all travel to Iraq because the security situation is extremely dangerous and the threat of terrorist attacks is high. Terrorists and anti-government forces have attacked places frequented by foreigners, while the risk of kidnapping foreign nationals remains very high and kidnappers do not discriminate by nationality or religion. Airspace closures and flight cancellations can occur at short notice.

Do not travel to Iraq because unexpected incidents, including attacks, remain possible. The eight southeastern governorates are at do not travel level, while all other areas remain under an evacuation warning. Travel is not prevented for organisations supporting Iraq's recovery or reconstruction, or in genuinely unavoidable cases, provided close coordination and adequate safety measures are maintained. Do not approach military facilities or photograph them, even from a distance.

Defer all travel to Iraq because of the escalating security situation in the Middle East. Singapore has no diplomatic representation in Iraq, which limits its ability to provide consular assistance in an emergency. Singaporeans currently in the Middle East are advised to defer travel to the region.

Avoid all travel to Iraq because terrorist attacks remain very frequent. Risks include terrorism, kidnapping, armed clashes, civil unrest, violent crime, sectarian attacks and dangerous roads with poor driving standards and fake checkpoints used for attacks. Avoid areas within 30 km of Iraq’s borders with Iran, Syria, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, and specified parts of Kurdistan; consular assistance may be limited.

Avoid all travel to Iraq because the security situation has deteriorated. This covers tourist and visiting trips, work trips and all other travel, and remains in force until further notice.

Avoid all travel to Iraq because of terrorism, kidnapping, armed conflict, crime, health risks and limited U.S. government emergency services. Iran-aligned militias and ISIS conduct attacks, while improvised explosive devices, indirect fire and unmanned aerial vehicles are used in many areas, including major cities. Emergency and intensive care facilities are limited or unavailable outside the largest cities, and medical evacuation may be delayed.

Avoid non-essential travel to Iraq and do not travel to red zones including southern Nineveh, Erbil and Kirkuk, Salah ad Din, Diyala, Anbar and several border strips. Travel elsewhere only if essential; exceptions include Ramadi, Fallujah, Halabja and the Ibrahim Khalil route. Regional tensions bring rocket attacks and terrorism, while crime, kidnapping, carjacking and demonstrations occur; stay in secured hotels, travel by day and avoid Iranian-Kurdish opposition locations.